What are Joint Support Supplements?

With one in five adults in the US reporting joint discomfort, joint products are increasingly popular. These joint products support joint health by rebuilding cartilage, modulating inflammation, nourishing connective tissues, lubricating joints, influencing enzymes and neutralizing free radicals. Joint products may preserve space between joints while keeping “shock absorbing” cartilage plump and cushy, slowing the progression of joint problems. This may translate to better mobility, flexibility, comfort and performance of daily activities. Many natural compounds support healthy joints, but the three most popular and evidence-backed are glucosamine chondroitin and MSM.**

What is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is a natural substance found throughout the body. Glucosamine is highly concentrated in the joints, where it nourishes cartilage and connective tissue. Glucosamine is believed to trigger regeneration of healthy cartilage cells, supporting the proteoglycans that lubricate joints. We can make our own glucosamine, but as we age we lose this ability. Taking a glucosamine supplement can compensate for natural glucosamine decline and supply the body with abundant raw materials for joint health maintenance.**

What is Chondroitin?

Chondroitin is another natural compound that is used by the body as a building block for connective tissue, especially cartilage. Chondroitin is believed to help the body's natural process of repairing joints and connective tissues. Additionally, chondroitin possesses inflammation-modulating properties that help with joint comfort. Chondroitin sulfate may inhibit the enzymes that break down cartilage in the joints. Chondroitin also increases the amount of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the joints, assisting with structure and lubrication.**

Glucosamine chondroitin are often presented together in joint products. This is because glucosamine chondroitin appear to work well together. One large study found that in patients with knee discomfort, a glucosamine chondroitin supplement was more effective in promoting comfort than supplements containing only glucosamine or only chondroitin.**

What is MSM?

Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, is an organic sulfur compound present throughout the body. MSM is used to develop and maintain various tissues, including nails, skin and hair (as such, MSM has shown promise as a beautifying nutrient as well). When it comes to joint products, however, it’s MSM’s role in the development and maintenance of connective tissue that is most critical. Research has suggested that MSM possesses inflammation-modulating properties that promote comfort. MSM supports flexibility and physical function in those with joint issues. Research has suggested that glucosamine/MSM combinations are helpful for joint health.**

In addition to the Big Three (glucosamine chondroitin and MSM), emerging research supports the use of many other joint-supportive building block and inflammation modulating compounds. Glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM may all be complemented by nutrients like hyaluronic acid, collagen, omega-3 fatty acids, Boswellia serrata, turmeric, eggshell membrane and others. All these compounds have shown promise for promoting joint comfort and supporting full range-of-motion.**

Glucosamine/Chondroitin Directions for Use

Glucosamine is often taken at a level of 1500 mg. One research study administered 2000 mg of glucosamine daily for 12 weeks. Recommended chondroitin levels are generally 800-1200 mg daily.**